Chinese carmaker GAC has jumped on the futuristic ute trend by unveiling the Pickup 01, a high-riding rival to the Tesla Cybertruck.
The attention-grabbing concept was revealed at the 2025 Shanghai motor show, with key features including a ‘sci-fi aesthetic’, passenger car design elements, and intelligent technology systems.
While not quite as extreme as the angular Cybertruck, the exterior of the Pickup 01 is nonetheless unique. It sits higher than a standard dual-cab to accommodate huge all-terrain tyres, while the boxy body presents in bare metal like the Tesla.
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The rear tub of the Pickup 01 is neatly integrated into the overall design, while exterior lighting consists of thin rectangular strips front and rear.
Under the skin, the Pickup 01 sits on GAC’s GAIA (GAC Adaptive Intelligent Architecture) platform, which dynamically adjusts suspension and powertrain systems to accommodate urban, off-road, and heavy hauling scenarios.
It also features the X-SouL Safety Shield suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), as well as a configurable cabin layout that doubles as a ‘mobile living space’ – perfect for off-grid camping trips.
GAC hasn’t detailed powertrain specifications for the Pickup 01, and it’s unclear when the model will enter production.
The carmaker is currently in the process of expanding its operations beyond China, into markets including Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Chile.
Australian firm AGA Auto was appointed GAC’s local distributor in 2022, and in May last year it announced the GAC brand would arrive here in the second half of 2025.
Petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be sold under the GAC banner, while electric models will be sold with Aion branding.
The local lineup will include GAC’s M8/E9 people movers and GS8/ES9 large SUVs, as well as the Aion V small SUV.
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